Battery Chapin

Battery Chapin (1904-1945) - Battery Edward Chapin was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Foster (1), Gerrish Island, York County, Maine. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Brigadier General Edward P. Chapin, U.S. Volunteers, who was killed in acton at Port Hudson, Louisiana, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction was completed and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 31 Dec 1904 at a cost of $ 15,213.09. Deactivated in 1945.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1902MI guns mounted on M1902 Pedestal carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform by hand. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant in Battery Bohlen.

The U.S. entry into World War I resulted in a widespread removal of large caliber coastal defense gun tubes for service in Europe. Many of the gun and mortar tubes removed were sent to arsenals for modification and mounting on mobile carriages, both wheeled and railroad. Most of the removed gun tubes never made it to Europe and were either remounted or remained at the arsenals until needed elsewhere. The guns of Battery Chapin were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

Battery Chapin was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth plan throughout World War II. When the war ended in 1945 the battery was declared surplus. The guns and carriages were processed for salvage on 18 Oct 1945.

Current Status

Part of Fort Foster City Park, Gerrish Island, York County, Maine. No period guns or mounts in place.